5an }o2_ c \-^iTL \j5-llej aou7tti€5 assoc *a-fc To-n. 



The 



San Joaquin 
Valley 



SnsSz 




VAST plain, oval in shape, two hundred miles long, 
with an average breadth of sixty miles; situated 
about fifty miles inland from the Pacific; in the 
center of California. The San Joaquin Valley is 
surrounded, excepting on its northern boundary, by 
mountains. The flanking mountain ranges extend 
along lines that are parallel or concentric with the 
coast. At the southern end of the valley the chains 
converge and unite. A line drawn along the north- 
ern end of the valley, if extended east and west, 
would pass through or near San Francisco, Richmond, Va., Gibraltar, 
Athens and Smyrna. The southern boundary is on a parallel that runs 
close to Nashville, Tangier, Damascus, Bagdad and Osaka. This briefly 
indicates the topography and geographical location of the San Joaquin 
Valley. 

It would be interesting to relate what is known and conjectured re- 
garding the making of this area. In its geological disclosures, the ter- 
ritory is full of interest. This story, however, is too long. The reader 
will wish, rather, to learn of factors more closely related to human prog- 
ress, for this valley was created to be the abiding place of people. Its 
story is one of rapid and surprising transformation. In its pristine con- 
dition it disclosed some unattractive aspects, being, for most part, an 
arid land unvisited by rain during several months of every year. Variety 
of topography and anomalous climatic conditions are marked charac- 
teristics of this valley and its surrounding mountains. Probably its most 
impressive aspect is the one of vastness, or extent of level area. 

The range of mountains that flanks the valley on the east, has a 
remarkable influence over all local conditions. Approaching this range, 
the level plain is first interrupted along its eastern rim, by slight undula- 
tions, varying just enough to be perceptible. The contours increase grad- 
ually and merge into low, rolling hills. Like most of the plain, these 
hills are bare except for grasses and native herbage. Sparse, low grow- 
ing shrubbery is found along small channels where streams flow during 
part of the year. The approach and changes are so gradual that the 
observer is hardly aware of them until he is among higher hills with long 
graceful contours, increasing in ruggedness with ever increasing height. 
Occasionally appears a flat topped table mountain, extending promontory 
like into the landscape of rounded hills. Irregular patches of scrub oak 

2 




and shaparral brush appear on slopes and hillcrests. This is the region 
known as the foothills. Still farther on, the country becomes more 
broken. Brook runs and ravines deepen into canyons; and these, in turn, 
broaden into small valleys, where sycamore, cottonwood, laurel, ash and 
willow trees mark the courses of streams. Broader valleys are dotted 
with large picturesque oaks. Surrounding these valleys, higher ridges 
rise with increasing abruptness and greater density of tree growth. Out- 
croppings of gray granite begin to disclose the foundations of mighty 
mountains. Above and beyond, in the distance to the east, is a series of 
dark blue ridges indicating vast bodies of big timber. Occasionally the 
blue line dips abruptly where the ridges are parted by a deep canyon 
through which a high heading river has its course. This forest region 
comprises an extensive area of picturesque mountains, clothed in sylvan 
verdure up to an altitude of ten thousand feet. From any eminence 
within this area we look across richly wooded ranges or down into emerald 
meadows ribboned with streams. From the midst of this setting and 
towering above it rises the great range, an overawing chaos of granite 
Domes, peaks and pinnacles rise in fantastic confusion. Higher crests 
thrust serrated masses of rock into the sky over fourteen thousand feet 
above the sea. At intervals of twenty to thirty miles, the granite range 
is split transversely. Some inconceivable dynamic power has forced its 
way through cubic miles of rock, delving abysmal chasms six thousand 
feet deep and baring granite cliffs to their foundations. Into these gulfs 
dash the waters from higher regions. Snow fed floods of mighty volume 
pitch over precipitous walls and are atomized in their plunges to lower 
levels. Where these waters have their sources, winter persists almost 
perpetually. Snow and glacial ice remain always in the shadowed re- 
cesses of the higher range. During winter months, this entire mountain 
area, from timber region to summits, is one vast white silence. This is 
the Sierra Nevada, (Snowy Range) the mountain barrier that borders 
the San Joaquin Valley on the east throughout its entire length. 

To revert to reasons is unnecessary; the fact in itself is sufficient: 
the Sierra Nevada exerts a remarkable influence over climatic conditions. 
The territory that lies to the west, between the great range and the sea, 
is blessed with a bland, equable climate, the like of which is not found 
elsewhere within the temperate zones of the world. To the east of the 
range, up its precipitous eastern slopes, and for a distance over the sum- 
mits and down the western side, winter dominates; and here, its most 

3 



severe manifestations culminate. As if spent in a final, mighty effort, 
the elements, met by the warm breath that flows landward from the 
Pacific, are checked and finally vanquished. While these winter demon- 
strations are at their height within the alpine regions of the range, oranges 
ripen in the thermal foothill belt at its base. In the valley, fruit trees 
blossom and spring verdure decks the fields. 

Across the great valley, sixty miles to the west, rises the Mt. Diablo 
range which is a long spur of the coast chain of mountains. This range 
is the western boundary of the San Joaquin Valley. In all of its aspects 
this western range differs from the Sierra Nevada. Its extreme altitude 
is not over five thousand feet. On its eastern slopes, as seen from the 
valley, there is a noticeable absence of timber. The hills are undulating 
rather than precipitous. The most marked difference, however, is the 
absence of steadily flowing streams. There are creeks that rise suddenly 
and run torrents while fed by seasonal rains. These subside just as sud- 
denly, and entirely, when the rains cease. Toward the south, the Sierra 
Nevada and Coast Ranges converge and unite forming a crescent shaped 
chain that embraces the upper or southern end of the San Joaquin, sepa- 
rating it from that portion of the state designated as Southern California. 

Within this description, there is one vital factor of greatest import- 
ance, a factor without which this valley could never have become a great 
productive area. Heading in the high ranges of the Sierra Nevada, hav- 
ing their sources within the remote regions of eternal snow, are six rivers 
that flow into the valley, debouching onto the plains at points from thirty 
to forty miles apart. These six rivers comprise one great system, the main 
drainage channel of which is the San Joaquin river. To the south of the 
San Joaquin, Kings River is the only stream the waters of which reach, 
and form a part of this system. To the north, the Merced, Tuolumne, 
Stanislaus and Mokelumne all empty into the San Joaquin which flows 
to the bay of San Francisco, and to the sea. During the season of rain- 
fall, these streams carry volumes of water drained from lower hill areas 
of the Sierra Nevada range. Were these the sole water resources, the 
streams would be dry soon after the rains stopped. When the valley and 
lower hill regions are visited by rains, the higher mountains accumulate 
snow. With the coming of spring, the rains are done, but, in the deep 
gorges and timber belts of the mountains, snow has been falling, settling 
and solidifying all winter. Stored and held in these higher regions are 

4 



nearly six thousand square miles of snow and ice upon which nature does 
not draw until the beginning of the arid summer season. As summer's 
warmth creeps up the range, the vast accumulations of snow are gradually 
melted. The waters flow through the channels of the six rivers to the 
San Joaquin valley. Thus is brought to the valley during its season of 
no rain, an abundance of needed water. Within this condition is found 
the one potential reason why the San Joaquin Valley is created an abiding 
place for people. 

Let us picture the valley at a time when the waters of the six rivers 
flowed uninterrupted to the sea; at the season when the rains are about 
over. Throughout the vast area no plow has yet disturbed the land. So 
far as the eye can see there is an expanse of green plains, flanked on the 
west by purple and emerald hills; on the east by blue and white moun- 
tains. Splashes of vivid wild flower colors enrich the level green stretches. 
In no country of the world is nature's tribute to spring more gorgeous. 
As the season advances and the rain-given moisture evaporates from the 
earth, the verdure ripens. Very soon the brown and yellow hues of ma- 
ture, unwatered vegetation prevail. Long, distant lines of dark timber 
mark the rivers where water oaks, sycamore and willows thrive in the moist 
areas. The broad expanses between the rivers are treeless, brown, dusty 
and dead; and, so they remain until the revivifying rains come again. 
This was the San Joaquin valley before the first white man saw it; and 
so it remained for several years after the coming of white men; for the 
first white man did not come seeking lands. Gold was the lure. True 
it is that a few, widely scattered settlers knew this land before gold was 
discovered. Some farming was done in localities where moisture seeped 
from rivers. Cattle were pastured on the plains during the green season, 
and in the river bottoms during the dry period. The early Mexican 
settlers from the Coast Country, knew the value of the river lands and 
sought, before California became a part of the United States, to acquire 
large tracts by grant from the Mexican government. The native Indians, 
who were here before all the rest, built their villages of brush or tule 
huts near the rivers. To all these people, and to the thousands who came 
later to dig gold, the potential possibilities of the valley remained, for a 
long time, unknown. When gold was discovered and people came in 
numbers, their work was in the hills. The settlements were not in the 
valley proper. As interest in mining began to wane, some provident 
people turned toward the land. Before long a second and greater dis- 

5 



covery was made. It was found that this arid land needed but one ele- 
ment to make it perennially productive; that one element was water 
available during the arid season. The waters of six rivers ran uninter- 
rupted to the sea. The diversion and distribution of these waters were 
the only remaining problems. Irrigation had its beginnings. In the 
meantime, increasing numbers of people became interested in agriculture 
and wheat growing became the prevailing industry. Grain crops were 
sown to mature under the influence of seasonal rains. Uncertainty of re- 
sults, impoverishment of soil through lax farming methods and continual 
cropping, together with the demonstrations made on watered lands, all 
urged the necessity of irrigation. With persistent enterprise, the first 
canals to be constructed, were enlarged and extended. Wherever the 
water came, grain was superseded by more valuable production. Every 
year demonstrated adaptability of new and valuable crops. Variety of 
production seemed to be unlimited. Specialization in many varieities, 
resulted in remarkable quality and surprising quantity. A few years of 
farming under irrigation, fixed the destiny of San Joaquin Valley. 

Such, briefly, is the history of the transformation of this valley. 
About forty-four years have passed since the first irrigation canals were 
constructed. During this period development and extension of irriga- 
tion have been going on steadily. Water from each one of the six rivers 
has been diverted into canal systems. At the present time, over one mil- 
lion acres of land in the valley are served with water from these streams. 
Rude dams and headworks that served during earlier years, have been re- 
placed by modern structures of concrete and masonry. This work has been 
done economically. The cost of original water rights has been compara- 
tively, very low; and the annual maintenance cost, correspondingly low. 
Kings river irrigates a large part of both Kings and Fresno Counties. Kings 
County receives water from some lesser streams, also. The San Joaquin 
waters are used in Fresno, Madera, Merced, Stanislaus and San Joaquin 
Counties. The Merced River serves in Merced County. Two large districts 
in Stanislaus County, take water from the Tuolumne ; another large district 
in Stanislaus and San Joaquin Counties is watered from the Stanislaus 
river. The Mokelumne flows into San Joaquin County and is utilized for a 
considerable acreage. Underflow from the Sierra Nevada, together with 
the use of river water for irrigation, creates a ground supply that has been, 
and is constantly being tapped by wells, from which water flows by hydro- 
static pressure, or is pumped by electric, or gas engine power. Probably 

6 



there is no other equal area within which nature has provided a more 
abundant, or more conveniently distributed irrigation supply. The San 
Joaquin valley stands to day as an example to the world, in the develop- 
ment and scientific use of irrigation. 

In considering the climatic conditions that prevail in the San Joa- 
quin, we beg leave to suggest to those who are unacquainted with Cali- 
fornia — please discard most of your previous experience. Nature, in Cali- 
fornia, disregards many rules that are, elsewhere, regarded as fixed. North 
and South, as terms of geographical direction, are respected here, as else- 
where. Climatically, these terms are entirely without honor. At the 
southern end of the San Joaquin valley and at its northern boundary, like- 
wise at a point, in the interior of the state, two hundred miles north of 
that boundary, climatic conditions are nearly the same. Go, however, 
from the sea coast, east across the Coast Range and across the valley to 
the summits of the Sierra Nevada, and nearly every sort of climate, from 
sub-tropic to arctic, will be encountered. The country to the west of the 
Coast Range, possesses a delightfully equable climate. Over this range, 
in the San Joaquin, there are wider ranges between the extremes of heat 
and cold. There is also noticeable absence of dampness that prevails 
along every sea coast. Very low percentages of humidity, especially dur- 
ing the summer months, characterize the climate of the valley. With 
increasing altitudes in the Sierra Nevada, there are correspondingly in- 
creasing lower ranges of temperature, and increasing divergence between 
the temperatures of day and night. In the higher altitudes tempera- 
tures drop below freezing every night. During July, August and Sep- 
tember, mid-day temperatures in the San Joaquin Valley, range high. It 
is, however, interesting to note that increasing temperatures are nearly al- 
ways accompanied by decreasing percentages of humidity. Perceptible 
heat is, therefore, very much less than that indicated by the thermometer. 
Sunstroke and heat prostration are not a menace. Men and animals per- 
form the heaviest of farm work in the fields throughout the hottest months 
of the year, entirely secure from the dangers that prevail in humid cli- 
mates. Nights are refreshing; especially so to those who sleep out of 
doors in the cool dry air. As for the winters in the valley, severe cold is 
unknown. There are occasional frosts at night; sufficient to drive sap 
toward the roots of fruit trees and vines during their brief period of dor- 
mancy. The foothills, that border the valley on its eastern rim, are re- 
markably free from frost. This region is known as the thermal belt. 

7 



Within this belt, sub-tropical fruits thrive. Oranges ripen and are har- 
vested during November, December and January. Toward the end of 
February or first of March, almonds and apricots blossom throughout the 
valley, followed closely by all the other fruit trees. The period from 
October to April includes the usual rainy reason. The actual period of 
rains, varies slightly in duration, with different years. It should not be 
supposed, however, that rains continue steadily during this season. Oc- 
casionally there may be a week or more during which rainy weather may 
prevail. For the most part, duration of rain is from one to three days. 
Frequently, the rains come at night, followed by days of bright sunshine. 
In the center of the valley the average annual rainfall is about nine inches. 
Between the center and northern boundary the average increases gradu- 
ally but perceptibly. With increasing altitude in the Sierra Nevada, 
there is greatly increasing precipitation. Generally, the weather between 
rains is delightful. Especially is this true during the California Spring 
which begins in February. The long period of drought during summer 
and fall, makes possible the production of many valuable crops that, 
otherwise, could not be made. Dried fruits and raisins are cured in the 
open sunshine. Crops of alfalfa hay are cut and cured, and grain is har- 
vested without danger of damage. Figs, grapes, olives, oranges and other 
fruits that like a warm, dry climate, thrive and mature to perfection. 
Building construction, in fact, any out of door work can "be planned and 
carried out, without interruption or delay on account of weather. Elec- 
trical storms are not frequent. Tornadoes or cyclones are unknown. 
The annual dormant period of plant life is very short. Animals are not 
housed up during winter. They feed in open pastures and continue to 
increase in weight. In no occupations are human activities circum- 
scribed by long periods of enforced idleness on account of weather. The 
climate of California is unsurpassed. It offers advantages not to be found 
elsewhere. People who live in the San Joaquin valley, enjoy California 
climate, which means, all conditions considered, from season to season, 
and from year to year, more bodily comfort and less hardship than are 
found in most other parts of the world. The mountains or the sea coast 
are easily reached from any point in the valley. If temporary change is 
desired, it may be had in an infinite number of attractive ways. 

Since the beginning of irrigation development, the San Joaquin val- 
ley has been attracting people; people of foresighted jugdment who have 
sought for themselves and their dependents, the best that could be found. 

8 



Following the period when wheat growing was a prime agricultural pur- 
suit, several enterprising individuals began ventures in the culture of 
fruits and grapes. Many of these efforts were on a large scale. Experi- 
ence soon demonstrated a valuable fact. Soil and climatic conditions 
were such that with control of moisture and careful cultural methods, a 
small piece of land could be made to yield large results. Since the demon- 
stration of this fact, there has been a steady influx of people who have 
sought small farms. Large tracts within reach of canals were subdivided 
and taken by settlers in ten, twenty and forty acre pieces. This practice 
is responsible for the terms "Colonies" or "Colony Tracts" in use through- 
out the irrigated areas of California. The era of colonization began 
shortly after the first railroad was constructed through the valley. To 
be precise, it began in Fresno County where the first diversion of water 
from Kings river was accomplished. As the boundaries of irrigation de- 
velopment were reached by settlement, canals were extended. Success 
followed earlier efforts and the diversion of water from other rivers was 
undertaken. Every district brought under irrigation, attracted settlers. 
One after another the irrigation enterprises of this valley have become 
factors in progress and increase of population. Profitable production be- 
gat wealth and commerce. Towns that were but tank stations, grew to be 
cities and more towns sprung up. It has been a great transformation, 
typical of a western country possessing the potential attributes that attract 
the highest types of humanity. In the years of progress there has existed 
a spirit of helpful enterprise. People have labored for profits as people 
always will. There have been many who at personal sacrifice of time 
and money, have accomplished much for the common good. Kindly and 
helpful natural environment has permitted development along such varied 
lines that to-day, in variety and quality of agricultural and horticultural 
production the San Joaquin Valley stands unsurpassed. Enumeration 
may be tedious, but we may venture some contrasting examples. The 
deciduous varieties of fruits common to northern, semi-frigid climates, 
grow side by side with such sub-tropical varieties as the orange, grape 
fruit, and lemon, the fig of Smyrna and the olive of Palestine. Vines 
from Spain, France and Italy find a home environment together with 
those native to our northern states. Cereal crops of Egypt and our 
native Indian corn thrive in adjoining fields. The palm, acacia, and 
eucalyptus thrive together with the elm, maple, and cone bearing trees, in- 
digenous to alpine and far northern regions. Horticultural authorities 

9 



have stated that the valley produces all the known fruits of the world, 
excepting those of the mild tropics. The catalogs of nurserymen enumer- 
ate adapted importations from Japan, China, India, Persia, Turkey, 
Russia, Australia, Africa, and all the European lands. Plant life from 
wintry climes seems to benefit by transferance to this climate, as do 
people. The reason for extraordinary growth and productivity of trees 
and vines and the early maturing of fruit in this valley, is found in the 
fact of large annual percentages of clear unobstructed sunlight. Water 
vapor in the atmosphere, lessens actinic value of the sun's rays. Hence 
in humid climates plant growth and perfect maturing of fruitage are re- 
tarded. In evidence of this fact we have a seeming climatic paradox. 
Citrus fruits ripen in this valley from four to six weeks earlier than at 
points near the coast, two hundred to three hundred miles south. In the 
realm of purely agricultural production we find the same wide diversity. 
While large areas within irrigated districts are taken up by trees and vines, 
there is yet a great deal of land used for grain. All of the commonly 
known cereal crops are grown extensively. Dry farming is practiced a 
great deal but results are problematical, depending upon the amount and 
distribution of annual rainfall. Such crops as Indian corn, Egyptian 
corn, Kaffir corn, Egyptian wheat, rice and nearly every known variety 
of edible beans are irrigated and produced in perfection. Alfalfa is the 
great forage crop. It grows luxuriantly, yielding heavy tonnage per 
acre. With widespread production of alfalfa, diarying has grown to be 
a prominent and very profitable industry throughout the valley. Vege- 
tables in every known variety are grown, and fresh vegetables are had 
the year through. Aside from the wealth of agriculture and horticulture, 
lumbering is a prominent industry in the mountain regions. At three 
points in Fresno and Madera counties flumes sixty to seventy-five miles 
long, convey rough dimension lumber from mountain saw-mills to mills at 
transportation points in the valley. In the lower mountains and hills of 
the Sierra Nevada, especially in Calaveras and Mariposa counties, there 
are mines yet being profitably operated. Modern methods have made it 
possible to resume work in ground that was abandoned in the old days. 
Throughout the mountains there are vast deposits of baser metals that 
will, beyond doubt, be utilized at some time. One of the greatest sources 
of wealth has resulted from the development of mineral oil. Located at 
Coalinga in the southwestern part of Fresno County, and extending sev- 
eral miles along the base of the Coast Range, into Kings County, is one 

10 



of the greatest producing oil fields of the world. The value of the annual 
production of crude oil in this field, exclusive of by-products, is about 
$10,000,000 outstripping that of any other single commodity produced 
in the valley. The production of great quantities of cheap fuel oil, has 
revolutionized power generating systems and stimulated manufacturing 
throughout the Pacific coast. To the foregoing list of diverse production 
may be added granite of exceptionally fine quality, quarried in Madera 
county, and marble from Calaveras. 

In its relative geographical position, the San Joaquin Valley is most 
fortunately situated. It occupies the center of California and lies be- 
tween the two great centers of population in the State. San Francisco 
and adjacent territories about San Francisco Bay, have now a population 
of a million people. Los Angeles, city and county, together with cities of 
the south, have nearly as many more. In both of these localities, popula- 
tion is increasing rapidly. The local population of the valley is increas- 
ing in equally rapid ratio. There is therefore a constantly increasing de- 
mand for the commodities produced. For example : in the distribution 
of dairy produce, aside from that which is taken locally, the product from 
the southern half of the valley, goes to Los Angeles; that from the north- 
ern half, to San Francisco. Either of these places would gladly take 
the entire valley output. So it is, also, with many other of the 
staple food commodities. The valley has not, as yet, produced volume 
sufficient to fill the immediate demand. With a large territory of proven 
adaptability, it is indicated that there is room for many more people to 
engage profitably in the production of these commodities, for which there 
is an ever increasing demand. Of course, this condition exists for staple 
food products. With green and dried fruits, table grapes, raisins and 
wines, the world is our market. The Panama Canal has already acceler- 
ated demand by reason of facility in shipments to remote points. Local 
transportation facilities are adequate. Besides two transcontinental lines 
of railway and numerous lateral lines, the valley has tidewater connection 
with San Francisco bay through the city of Stockton. Here, then, is an 
easily accessible portion of the earth's surface that offers the widest di- 
versity of promising opportunity and, as yet, uncrowded. With a popu- 
lation of about three hundred thousand, this territory produces and sells 
annually close to $150,000,000 worth of commodity. Its area is about 
equal to that of Italy, which has a population of over Thirty Millions. 

11 



Considered generally, manufacturing has not, as yet, reached a prom- 
inent place in the industries of the valley. It has not kept quite up to the 
pace of increase in population and local demand. The city of Stockton 
is one of the principal manufacturing points in the state. Here are lo- 
cated some extensive plants making harvesting machinery, agricultural im- 
plements, traction engines, pumping and dredging machinery. There are 
throughout the valley, packing houses, canneries, and wineries. These 
are especially prominent in Fresno and Kings Counties where the bulk of 
dried fruits and raisins are handled. Creameries are numerous and very 
generally distributed throughout the valley. Stanislaus county leads the 
other counties of the state in butter production; while Merced, Madera, 
Fresno, Kings and San Joaquin counties are among the heaviest dairy pro- 
ducers in the state. In totality, the production within the eight associated 
counties of the valley, amounts to three-fifths of the entire production of 
California. 

The development of hydro-electric power has become an important 
factor in the material progress of the valley. Herein the snow-fed rivers 
from the Sierra Nevada, come again into prominence. At power stations 
located on these rivers that are a part of the San Joaquin drainage system, 
there is generated and transmitted about 70,000 horse power. But a 
small part of the available water power has been utilized. The rest 
remains to be developed as may meet the needs of an area within distances 
of possible transmission. 

In its social organism, the San Joaquin valley is made up of ranchers, 
rural communities, colonies, villages, towns and cities. The list is given 
in the chronological order of the valley's growth. From the least unit to 
the largest aggregate, all enjoy modern conditions. The telephone and 
rural mail delivery are adjuncts to nearly all country homes. A great 
many have, also, electric power and lighting facilities. The automobile 
has overcome isolation which was formerly an objection to rural residence. 
It is indicated by the number of automobiles in use, that the people of the 
San Joaquin valley appreciate the value of these machines, and, for- 
tunately, can afford to use them. These people work. When it is de- 
manded of them, they work hard. In the time that they devote to work, 
they are not interrupted by hampering natural conditions. They know 
that industry in the right direction will bring a sure reward. Their re- 
ward consists of better pecuniary returns, less hardship and more com- 
fortable leisure, than can be had in less favored localities. 

12 



The public school system of the valley is the best that modern knowl- 
edge and methods can devise. No effort nor money are spared in bring- 
ing the schools, both country and city, up to the highest standard. The 
courses afford complete preparation for college. High school pupils are 
admitted to the University of California, (one of the largest in the world) 
upon accredited scholarship. Public library systems are extended from 
centers in county seats, to cover rural districts throughout the counties. 

A main, concrete paved, highway has been constructed through the 
length of the valley. A complete system of roads connecting all points 
in the valley with this main highway, is assured. In several localities this 
collateral system has been provided. 

Practical and material conditions, utilities, public and individual 
welfare, are of first importance in the consideration of any country. We 
would be negligent, however, if we stopped here in this description. No 
locality possessing only workaday conditions, can be regarded as ideally 
attractive. Recreation is essential to happiness. A country that requires 
of its people constant practical effort, except during periods of enforced 
idleness, is not an attractive place to live. In proportion to the time re- 
quired for normal accomplishment, the people of the San Joaquin Valley 
can afford more leisure than is ordinarily possible in many other localities. 
With this possibility, there are extraordinary opportunities for recreation. 
If one in a country district, tires of quietude, the attractions of cosmo- 
politan cities are within easy reach. The hunter or the angler may find 
the best of sport close at hand. To the lover of scenic grandeurs, the Sierra 
Nevada is a wonderland unexcelled in the world. Among these mountains 
are nature wonders, wholly unique, that, insofar as known, do not exist 
anywhere else. Here, on the western slopes of the range, at altitudes of 
from five thousand to seven thousand feet, the Giant Sequoia trees grow. 
Trees that are over thirty feet in diameter and over three hundred feet 
high. Trees that scientists declare are the oldest living things on earth. 
In the heart of the Sierra, is Yosemite, nature's supreme marvel of sculp- 
tured architecture; a wonderland where stupendous miracles in granite, 
are combined with meadow gardens of blossoming verdure. Here are the 
highest waterfalls in the world. Here thousands of people find, every 
year, rest and recuperation. Yosemite, is the grand canyon of the Mer- 
ced river. The Tuolumne flows through Hetch-Hetchy, another of the 
great gorges of the Sierra. The San Joaquin river has its sources among 
mountains fourteen thousand feet high. The canyon of Kings river and 

13 



the region about it, rivals anything else in the world in precipitous heights 
and depths of granite rocks and in magnificent forests. The sea coast of 
California, with its beautiful beaches and numerous resorts, offers attrac- 
tions that draw thousands every year. All of these things are easily ac- 
cessable from the San Joaquin valley; and all of these things are enjoyed 
by its people. 

The unoccupied spaces in this valley, surrounded by helpful natural 
environment, and all that has been added by progress and development, 
are awaiting the coming of more people. There will be found here op- 
portunity for human activity in manifold diverse fields. The present age 
is one of strenuous endeavor. In every land and every life there are ob- 
stacles to overcome. The people who live in the San Joaquin valley be- 
lieve that they encounter here, fewer obstacles and more benefits than they 
have found elsewhere. They believe that it is a good place to live. 

The foregoing description is intended to be general in its scope. 
Specific localities are mentioned, but only as they are related to the entire 
valley. No attempt has been made to go into details regarding specific 
localities as to their special adaptabilities or opportunities. The earnest 
enquirer, contemplating residence in the San Joaquin Valley, will wish 
to know in detail, what opportunities there may be in the different local- 
ities and in the different lines of industry that are possible within these 
localities. Each county that is an integral part of the San Joaquin Valley 
Counties Association has prepared books setting forth in detail the results 
obtained through actual practice in the different industries of their local- 
ities. Within these books will be found figures covering average and 
specifically individual returns and results. These books are designed to 
furnish detailed information to any who may become interested in the 
San Joaquin Valley as a place of opportunity. Insofar as it is possible to 
depict, by word and picture, the actual existing conditions, these books are 
most valuable to the investigating enquirer. 

It is hoped, however, that the people who become interested in the 
San Joaquin Vally and who are impelled to investigate it as a possible 
place of residence, will go farther than the reading of descriptive matter. 

Every effort has been made to convey an impression based upon the 
actual conditions. The investigator will find, however, that no written 
description can fully convey the impressiveness of this great valley and its 
resources. A personal visit with sufficient time for observation, will be 
the most satisfying method of investigation. 

14 



VINEYARD SOXG. 

We have found our Land of Promise ; 
We have found the Vale of Pleasure ; 

We have chosen with all wisdom our demesne, 
In the land of golden poppies, — 
Golden oranges and sunlight, — 

In the Valley of the Sunny San Joaquin. 

Here the meadow-larks' blithe calling 
Heralds morning's dewy splendor, 

When the vines are putting forth their early green ; 
Where gardens rose-embowered, 
Walls wistaria-empurpled, 

In the Valley of the Sunny San Joaquin. 

Where the vine and fig-tree flourish; 
Where the pomegranate blushes; 

Where the palm and oleander intervene; 
Where the wood-dove's tender love song 
Breathes its faith and hope and passion, 

In the Valley of the Sunny San Joaquin. 

Where the vineyards stretch unending, 
Guarded by the white Sierras, 

From whose glacial summits sustenance they glean ; 
Where the mocking-bird by moonlight 
Pours its soul in song melodious, 

In the Valley of the Sunny San Joaquin. 

Where the skies are ever smiling; 
Where the soil is ever fruitful ; 

Where the air is ever sweet and fresh and clean ; 
In the heart of California, — 
California, golden-hearted, — 

In the Valley of the Sunny San Joaquin. 

Charles Elmer Jenney. 



15 



PUBLISHED BY 

San Joaquin Valley Counties 
Association 

COMPRISING 
San Joaquin County Mariposa County 

Stanislaus County Madera County 

Calaveras County Kings County 

Merced County Fresno County 

308 HOLLAND BUILDING 
FRESNO, CAL. 



THE NEUNER CO.. LOS ANGELES 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



017 168 709 



